Florida Aquarium Exhibits Return to Tampa Airport After Nearly Two-Year Hiatus

The Florida Aquarium brought aquatic exhibits back to Tampa International Airport's Red and Blue Baggage Claim areas. This happened after a break that stretched almost two years. Marine life displays returned in late December 2025, following a shutdown that began in early 2024 when airport construction started.

Each 2,000-gallon tank holds blue striped grunts, porkfish, sharp nose puffers, barred hamlets, royal gramma, a French angelfish, and several tangs. Arriving passengers can watch fish swim before they grab their bags and head out.

These displays have lived at the airport since 1998, creating a bond between the two organizations that has lasted more than 25 years.

"The return of both exhibits restores a familiar and relaxing experience for travelers coming through Tampa," said Tim Binder, Senior Vice President of Animal Care & Health at The Florida Aquarium, according to That's So Tampa. "We're grateful for our partnership with Tampa International Airport, as these exhibits reflect our shared commitment to exceptional animal care, conservation, and creating meaningful moments for our community and visitors."

The reopening came during the holiday rush. Thousands of travelers moved through baggage claim zones as December wound down.

Anyone can look at the aquarium tanks without tickets or authorization. TPA runs an All Access Program, too, which allows people to tour the entire airport even if they aren't flying anywhere.

Construction work that shut down the exhibits went on for almost 24 months, yet airport officials haven't explained what kind of building projects made removal necessary.

Fish tanks now operate in both baggage claim spots again. The setups sit in busy areas where most incoming passengers collect their suitcases.